“People like to wear colors, especially if they’re nominated,’” says Leslie Fremar, stylist to Charlize Theron who anticipated the bold color trend based on recent data from Ask.com, for which she’s also a contributor. “That’s the way to help enhance their moment and make them stand out.

“And sometimes black is color on some people,” she adds. “It’s about skin tone and what works on that person. Sometimes you wear this magnificent black dress and it really stands out on someone who has fair skin, light hair and even dark hair and light eyes. There’s a lot of trial and error to find out what’s right for that person.”

Theron wore a black gown in a simple 1950s silhouette with invisible straps and draped fabric at the back. A pregnant Oliva Wilde wore a black sleeveless Valentino. Julia Roberts wore a black peplum dress with a piece of lace at the front.